Hard use EDC folder?

J

jaseman

Joined
Jul 28, 2016
Messages
1,033
First off... Hi, I'm new here!

While I'm not a collector, or even a hard core enthusiast, I appreciate the value of a good knife, use one everyday for one purpose or another, and have my share of decent blades. My current EDC is a Leek, and while I love it for what it is, I need a new 'hard use' EDC for times when the Leek just isn't stout enough. It's uses will be, primarily, well, everything. Working in the garage or around the house, hiking/camping, etc. Basically a workhorse for times when it's just not practical to carry a decent fixed blade around the suburbs...

The knife that used to fill this role for me was a Kershaw Blackout. And while it served me well, it's time has passed. Plus, I'm looking now for something a bit beefier. My ideal would be a ZT 0350, or similar, just to give an idea of what I want in a knife, but at a lower price point.

My wish list in a new EDC:
- 3.5" to 4" blade (will consider smaller for the right knife)
- S30V or comparable steel
- Assisted opening (or at least a good flipper)
- No lock backs (one hand open/close is ideal)
- Drop point preferred, but not a deal breaker
- Solid, hard use knife
- $100 absolute max ($70-$80 would be my sweet spot)

Obviously, I understand I'll need to make some compromises to get what I'm looking for, and that's OK for the right knife. So I'm open to suggestions.

I've considered the Blur and Grip, and will eventually buy one of the two, but they're about on par as my Blackout was, so not quite as beefy as I'm looking for.

My current short list:
- Kershaw Knockout - Not quite the blade length I'm looking for, but otherwise, on paper, it appears to tick all the right boxes.
- Kershaw Rake - Again, seems to fit the bill, but I know very little about the composite blade. Is it just a gimmick? Is it worth it? Anyone have one?
- Kershaw Camber - Only 3" but looks stout, at least online.
- Spyderco Manix 2 - I know it's a great knife, but is it as beefy as I'm looking for? Also lacks AO or a flipper.
- SOG KU-1011 Kiku - Nice big blade, but maybe too big. And only an AUS-8 blade (should that matter?)


Like I said, I'm shooting for a good sized, hard-use workhorse. So any opinions on the ones listed, or any other recommendations in my price range are greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I carry either a Kershaw Oso-Sweet or Volt II, both are thumb stud liner locks assisted openers, good steel. Just depends on the blade style you like.

Rich
 
Skip a dinner out and get the ZT 0350.

It fits exactly what you're looking for, like you mentioned, and I guarantee you that you'll end up upgrading to one sooner or later. It's one of the original models in the ZT line, and for a good reason. It's a serious hard-use knife with great ergonomics, at a very good price point. It's my favorite model in the ZT line, next to the 0620CF.

The Manix 2 or Manix 2 XL would be a good alternative.
 
Even though there are some thing on your list that it does not have their are a lot of things about the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter I think you would like. It will stand up to hard use and even though you said no Lockbacks you can't go wrong with a Tri-Ad lock. You can open and close it with one hand if you do it right. Good Luck. 👍 Kevin WELCOME TO THE FORUMS 👍

 
One of the guys who works for me at the shop carries a Knockout and he loves it. We have also sold a bunch of them to local law enforcement and have not had a single complaint, and those guys are hard on there knives.

I would also consider the Kershaw Link. Well under your budget and a great knife for the price!
 
A used Spyderco Paramilitary 2 would be solid, its not assisted or a flipper but it has great action and is definitely a one handed opener and closer.
 
I would normally recommend the Manix, I love them and have 6, but I just got a Knockout in OD green with a coated blade and it is a really awesome knife!
Great slicing blade, flies open with thumb studs or flipper and solid as hell! It's not a bad looking design either!
Gun to my head I'll take the Manix G10, better for hard use than the LW, all day long.....but the Kershaw fits your budget very well.
Good luck!
 
Benchmade adamas 275. It's a bit more price wise but it is a workhorse. Made of d2 and the customer service is great. Bm has a life sharp warranty and will sharpen your blade whenever you want it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
The Knockout and Link are great choices from Kershaw. I have a Rake and don't really care for it. The Camber is nice, but quite a bit smaller than you're looking for.

Spyderco Flippers are well over your budget and in the world of flippers, they're not great flippers. None are assisted, either.

You might enjoy a ZT 0350, 0770 or 0566, all assisted flippers but you'd need to find one used as they're over your $100 budget new.

A good flipper doesn't need an assist, check out some of the Kizer Vanguard knives: (all of these are well less than $100 and great knives...)
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Vanguard-Series-Sovereign--34058
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Vanguard-Series-Kyre-Liner--34572
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Kane-Liner-Lock-Knife-Black-G--34548
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Laconico-Intrepid-Flipper--33916
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Vanguard-Series-Dorado--34055
 
Last edited:
Hackenslash said:
The Knockout and Link are great choices from Kershaw. I have a Rake and don't really care for it. The Camber is nice, but quite a bit smaller than you're looking for.

Spyderco Flippers are well over your budget and in the world of flippers, they're not great flippers.

You might enjoy a ZT 0350, 0770 or 0566, both assisted flippers but you'd need to find one used.

A good flipper doesn't need an assist, check out some of the Kizer Vanguard knives: (all of these are well less than $100 and great knives...)
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Vanguard-Series-Sovereign--34058
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Vanguard-Series-Kyre-Liner--34572
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Kane-Liner-Lock-Knife-Black-G--34548
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Laconico-Intrepid-Flipper--33916
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Vanguard-Series-Dorado--34055
Click to expand...


Kizer Kyre is a very nice flipper and smooth. 👍 Kevin
Kershaw Knockout would be a good choice if you want to stay with your list.
 
Vpetrell said:
Benchmade adamas 275. It's a bit more price wise but it is a workhorse. Made of d2 and the customer service is great. Bm has a life sharp warranty and will sharpen your blade whenever you want it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

+1

Mack Truck of folders!
 
Another vote for the Adamas!

(And, in before the "what is hard-use" debate!)
 
I called it the Mack Truck of folders because of the emphasis on "hard use" in this thread. Keep in mind, a Mack truck doesn't fit well in your garage, is not easy to park, is heavy, gets poor fuel economy and can't slice and dice through traffic light a thin full flat grind sports car but ... when there's heavy duty stuff to be done, I want a Mack Truck, not a Farrari!

I absolutely adore my Adamas; I even have a spare - it's a great knife. Do I EDC it? No. Would I part with it? NO!!
 
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